Composition, Arranging, and Sound Design 2 focuses on the skill of counterpoint and its use in the creation of musical texture.  This topic will be examined through a combination of analysis and independent supervised composition.  Students will develop a portfolio of short compositions in a variety of genres and styles using Logic Pro X software. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1.  Compose original polyphonic and homophonic music which reflects the students individual musical interests and goals.
2. Compose and present polyphonic and homophonic works of a highly proficient standard using both correct notation and Logic Pro X software.
3. Describe relevant polyphonic and homophonic compositional issues in aesthetic and technical terms.
4. Communicate and articulate their creative decisions in the composition of polyphonic and homophonic compositions.

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group, etc.
• peer feedback in tutorials, crits and via Teams

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Intro to the course; Forming ensembles and first ensemble meeting
2	Working with performers; Ensemble rehearsals
3	Composer case study lecture: Directing an ensemble; Ensemble rehearsals
4	Composer case study lecture: Performers and electronics; Ensemble rehearsals
5	Composer case study lecture: Composing for improvisers - jazz and beyond; Ensemble rehearsals
6	Composer case study lecture: Composer as solo and ensemble performer/collaborator; Ensemble rehearsals	(1) Rehearsal journal - 5pm on Monday in the teaching break
7	Ensemble rehearsal/recording
8	One-to-one conferences; Peer feedback groups	(2) Tutorial Ensemble project due - 5pm on Friday in week 8
9	One-to-one conferences; Peer feedback groups
10	Getting ready for the showcase; Crits
11	Getting ready for the showcase; Crits
12	Getting ready for the showcase; Crits	(3) Final project score due in the exam period; (3) Conference in the exam period (3) Premiere at the showcase in the exam period

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Tutorial Rehearsal Journal	20 %	02/09/2024	3, 4
Tutorial Ensemble Work (40%)	40 %	27/09/2024	1, 2
Final Project (40%)	40 %	15/11/2024	1, 2

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Attendance at all course events is expected. Participation in weekly rehearsals, the end of semester showcase, and other assessment events is required.

Examination(s)

Composition assessment submissions should always include both:

 

• Score (PDF or other as appropriate)
• Media file (.WAV or other as appropriate - no MP3s)

Assessment Task 1

Tutorial Rehearsal Journal

As outlined in Assessment 2 below, you will be working in a group of 4 students in your tutorials.

 

During weeks 1-6 you will be asked to reflect on how your group is going and how your piece is progressing (what is going well, what needs to be fixed, etc.) in a 200-300-word journal entry. See the below assessment criteria for more information.

 

Using headings and/or dot points to help organise these documents is perfectly acceptable (and usually a good idea). Using the assessment criteria as a template each week is advisable.

Score/Sketch excerpts as well as screenshots of your DAW session can be very useful in supporting your statements regarding what is working and what isn’t working, and what you are going to try next week.

 

If for some reason your ensemble could not meet during a particular week, document your individual progress on the composition.

 

Assessment Criteria:

 

·    Clearly articulated successes and areas for improvement in your work

·    Clearly articulated goals for the following week

·    Description and analysis of the group dynamic (including works you’re playing in)

·    Organisation of thoughts and ideas, grammar, spelling, and clarity of writing

 

Value: 20%

 

Presentation requirements:

 

·    A single text document containing 6 x 200-300-word weekly journal entries submitted via Wattle

 

Due date:

 

·    5pm, 2 September 2024

 

Estimated return date: Within two weeks of submission

Assessment Task 2

Tutorial Ensemble Work (40%)

During weeks 1-7 you will be working in a group of 4 in your tutorial. Each composer will write a piece for the other three to play and record. If you do not play an instrument, the composers in your group will have to write a percussion, electronic, or other part that is playable by you.

 

As with all composition assessments, students are encouraged to focus on clarity of ideas and techniques, rather than overall duration (though works should be between 4-7min long). You are completely free to find and use your unique compositional voice (including electronics, improvisation, field recordings, video, etc.). There are absolutely no stylistic guidelines.

 

You are required to attend a sufficient number of rehearsals to support your colleagues and their assessment.

 

Students having issues with their ensembles should contact the Course Convenor ASAP.

 

You will have the mid-semester teaching break and all of week 7 to finish recording and mixing before submission at the start of week 8.

 

Assessment Criteria:

 

·    Technique and approach: appropriate use of instruments and technology (relative to your performers)

·    Creativity: the ability of the piece to stand on its own, as a self-contained work of a unique and developing compositional voice

·    Clear and well-formatted score and parts (as appropriate)

·    Well-mixed audio file (or video, if working to visual media)

·    Participation in your tutorial group (attendance at weekly rehearsals/recording sessions)

 

Value: 40%

 

Submission requirements:

 

·   A zipped folder including the following:

• Full score with title page and performance note (PDF or other as appropriate)
• Parts (PDFs or other as appropriate)
• Recording of the work (high quality audio or video, as appropriate – no MP3s)

 

Due date: 5pm, 27 September

 

Estimated return date: Within two weeks of submission

Assessment Task 3

Final Project (40%)

This assessment calls for a completely unconstrained new original work which should show the culmination of your skills and experiences this semester/year. The size and duration of this work should be approved by the Course Convenor before submission and discussed in the one-to-one session and tutorial crit. Focus on clarity of ideas and techniques, rather than duration is recommended, as always, though here we're expecting 5-8min of music.

You are completely free to find and use your unique compositional voice. There are absolutely no stylistic guidelines, though at least one significant line/part of your piece must be performed/recorded by a live human who is reading from a notated part of some kind. You will have access to a list of all of the composition students across all levels, contact details, and the instruments they play.

 

Though you will have support from the Composition staff, you are responsible for finding musicians, running rehearsals and organising your performance at the Composition Showcase.

 

This work must be presented live at the end of year Composition Showcase at the end of the semester. As such, late work will not be accepted for this assessment.

 

Your accompanying 200-word program note may include any information you think the audience would like to know about your piece.

You will also be asked to present your work-in-progress in a one-to-one conference with the Course Convenor during weeks 8 or 9, as well as to your peers in a tutorial crit (10min presentation with 10min of questions) during weeks 10-12. A final one-to-one conference with the Course Convenor will be held during 6-8 November, before your premiere the following week.

 

Assessment Criteria:

 

·    Technique and approach: appropriate use of instruments and technology (relative to the performer(s) involved)

·    Creativity: the ability of the piece to stand on its own, as a self-contained work of a unique and developing compositional voice

·    Clear and well-formatted score and parts (as appropriate), and submission of a program note for the Composition Showcase Program

·    Participation in the Composition Showcase and demonstration of appropriate logistical preparation and execution

·    Participation in two one-to-one conferences and a tutorial crit

 

Submission requirements:

·   A zipped folder including the following (1 November):

• Score with title page and performance note (PDF or other as appropriate)  
• Parts, as appropriate
• Program note of ~200 words

·   A live presentation/performance of your work at the Composition Showcase (14, 15 November)

 

Due date:

 

·    First one-to-one conference, weeks 8, 9

·    Tutorial crit presentation, weeks 10-12

·    Score, parts and program note submission, 5pm 1 November

·    Final conference attendance, 6-8 November

·    Showcase participation, 14, 15 November

 

Estimated return date: Within two weeks of submission

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission permitted (with the exception of the premiere at the showcase (Assessment 3). Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

As composition is an ongoing and reflexive practice, we are very happy to discuss the potential re-submission of assessments.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students